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Jeter film to document march to 3,000 hits

Jeter film to document march to 3,000 hits

6/13/11: Derek Jeter singles in the first to move closer to 3,000 career hits, then leaves the game in fifth inning with a sore right calf

By Evan Drellich
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MLB.com |

The network that's shone a magnifying light on the NFL with its signature program "Hard Knocks" is about to provide the same type of access to MLB fans, with an inside account of Derek Jeter's journey to 3,000 hits.

HBO and Major League Productions have teamed up to produce an hour-long documentary titled "DEREK JETER 3K," set to air a few weeks after the Yankees shortstop and captain notches the milestone. Jeter returned from the disabled list on Monday and went 0-for-4, keeping him six hits shy of the mark.

"It has been a lot of fun working with HBO Sports and MLB Productions to capture this milestone in a special and unique way," Jeter said in a press release. "Hopefully fans will enjoy getting to see a sneak peek at the journey."

"The 3,000 hit plateau is one of the most recognizable feats in our great game," Yankees President Randy Levine said. "To have the days surrounding Derek's remarkable achievement chronicled by Major League Baseball Productions and HBO ensures that this historic milestone will be captured with the type of style and professionalism he has become so synonymous with."

The special will include new interviews with the biggest names tied to the Yankees and their future Hall-of-Famer's career, from Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi and Joe Torre to Mariano Rivera, Dave Winfield, Billy Crystal and even Minka Kelly, Jeter's girlfriend.

"The buzz we've all seen during the buildup to this milestone is a clear indication of how Derek transcends the game on the field, and this is an ideal occasion for us to document what he's going through on a day-to-day basis," said Chris Tully, MLB senior vice president, broadcasting. "We're extremely grateful to Derek and the Yankees for granting us this level of access, and we're excited to once again work with HBO."

The filmmakers have been given extensive access to both Jeter, and not only at the stadium. He's permitted camera crews to follow him to a variety of places, including his home and during his rehabilitation from a right calf strain.

"Derek Jeter is known for his grace and excellence both on and off the ball field," said Ross Greenburg, HBO Sports president. "This special will provide sports fans with a fascinating view of what Derek Jeter experiences during this memorable moment in baseball history."

Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.